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Simple Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

The risk of contracting kidney disease is common among people who are suffering from the following :

1. Hypertension or High Blood Pressure

2. If you are suffering from diabetes

3. Family History of Kidney disease

4. Obese and above 50 years of age

Chain Smokers are also more likely to suffer from Kidney Dysfunction.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy :

First of all, find out the details about your Family Medical History and let your doctor know all the details whether anyone in your family has the problem of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Hypertension or High Blood Pressure, Coronary Heart Disease, or Protein or Blood in the Urine. Your doctor may ask you to perform certain tests that can help to identify whether you are at risk or not. Such as :

1. Measure your blood pressure

2. Urine Test to check protein in the urine

3. Blood Test to measure glomerular filtration rate

4. Blood Test for creatinine

A good dietary lifestyle is of extreme importance for those who are diagnosed with or at risk for Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD. A good healthy diet plays a very important role in the management of kidney dysfunction and prevention. People who are diagnosed with CKD or Chronic Kidney Disease are instructed to follow a diet that are low in proteins. It should also be low in sodium intake and potassium as well. If you are also diagnosed as diabetic, then you must follow a "Low-Carb Diet".

1. Sodium : The intake of sodium should be balanced. Excessive amount of salt intake can cause high blood pressure. It leads to water retention in the body and thus affect the normal kidney functions by damaging it. Avoid foods that are high in sodium levels such as crips, processed foods, chips and crackers, etc. Make sure to read nutrition facts of any food before purchasing it so as to know the exact amount of sodium content in the product.

2. Proteins : Large amount of protein rich diet food increases the risk of kidney diseases. Too much of protein produces excess wastes in the body. A low-protein diet such as consuming more fruits, vegetables and cereals can lessen the workload of your kidneys in the body and improve its functions. The products like meat and poultry products are rich in protein. Choosing low-protein diet foods such as soy or rice milk, legumes, low-protein pasta or nuts provides you modest amount of protein required by your body to promote strong muscle, fight infections and repair tissues. Too much of protein can increase stress on the kidneys and risk kidney dysfunction.

3. Calcium and Phosphorus : Calcium and Phosphorus function together in the body to keep the bones strong and healthy teeth. However, if the kidneys do not function properly, these two minerals can become unbalanced and this imbalance can lead to calcification of extra phosphorus and calcium in the body and can lead to serious health problems. To prevent loss of calcium and weakening of bones, a person must limit the intake of phosphorous rich foods. For example : Cheese, Peanut Butter, Bran Cereals, Ice-Creams, etc should be avoided. It is necessary to monitor calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

4. Potassium : Collection of potassium in the blood is bad for muscles and the heart. Avoid potassium rich foods or you can eat it moderately. Potassium is found in many fruits and vegetables. Some of the high content fruits and vegetables includes apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, mushroom, prunes, raisins, etc. You can consume fruits like plums, grapes, peaches and watermelon. The excessive consumption of oranges, kiwis, nectarines and bananas is not recommended. Also, potatoes, pumpkin, papaya, raw garlic, avocado and tomatoes should be avoided. Cranberries have an extremely low potassium concentration with only 24mg per half cup serving. Damaged kidneys lose their ability to filter excess potassium out of your body and this is why, it is always good to stick with foods that are low in potassium.

5. Calories : Calories provides us with energy. The proper calorie intake is very important to maintain body weight and different functions of the body which in turn can help to reduce the risk of kidney disease. Marshmallows is a good food that can provide the body with necessary calories.

6. Water Intake : Lack of water in the body can create a problem to filter wastes and eliminate toxins from the body. It is important to drink enough water to detoxify the body. Drinking lots of water prevents dehydration in the body and aids the kidneys in filtering the blood. The kidneys need water to produce urine. Drinking water also prevents urinary tract infections.

NOTE :

Keep your weight in check to help prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and other ailments associated with chronic kidney disease. Prevent and control your high blood pressure. Do regular exercises such as brisk walking. Limit your sodium and protein intake. Drink lots of water regularly. Also, limit and balance your intake of calcium, phosporus and potassium. Watch your calorie intake which is very, very important inorder to maintain your body weight and nuitrition required by the body. Have regular check-ups. Never take painkillers that combines caffeine without consulting your doctor. These combinations are associated with increased risk of kidney diseases. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin and naproxen (Aleve) are known to cause kidney damage and disease, if taken on a regular basis. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and Excedrin) can also cause kidney damage and failure if used on a regular basis. All of these over-the-counter pain medications probably don’t pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only.